Brain scans and blood tests to find autonomic (brain–heart) dysfunction after acute ischemic stroke or TIA
Official title: Imaging and Serological Biomarkers of Autonomic Dysfunction After Ischemic Stroke
Run by Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · NCT06740942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether MRI scans and blood tests can detect nerve-control problems that affect heart and blood pressure in adults who recently had an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06740942 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 with an acute ischemic stroke (visible lesion or persistent deficits 24 hours after onset) or a TIA, presenting within 72 hours of symptom onset, with pre-stroke mobility not requiring another person (mRS <4), and able to give informed consent or have a legal representative consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with in-hospital stroke, major contraindications to MRI, known moderate to severe dementia, prior structural brain damage (other than cerebral small vessel disease), significant carotid stenosis, or who present outside the 72-hour window are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study follows adults admitted within 72 hours of an acute ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack to map autonomic dysfunction over time. Participants undergo cardiovascular autonomic testing, structural and functional MRI, and blood sampling for serological biomarkers. Researchers will relate autonomic test results to lesion location and to patterns of brain connectivity within central autonomic circuits. The study aims to build causal models linking brain lesions, cardiac and immune/endocrine biomarkers, and dysautonomia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help identify patients at higher risk of stroke-related heart and blood pressure complications so clinicians can monitor and treat them earlier.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown autonomic dysfunction is common after stroke and links to outcomes, but combining detailed MRI connectivity mapping with serological biomarkers to build causal models is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of either * acute ischemic stroke with either an ischemic lesion visible on CT/MRI or persistent focal deficits 24 hours after symptom onset, or * Transient ischemic attack with transient clinical deficits including motor or speech disturbance and not restricted to isolated vertigo/dizziness, visual disturbance, or sensory disturbance. * symptom onset within 72h prior to hospital admission, * a pre-stroke/TIA ability to walk without help from another person (modified Rankin scale score \< 4), * age \> 18 years, and * informed consent by either the patient or a legal representative (including a spouse) Exclusion Criteria: * In-hospital stroke, * contraindications to MR imaging (e.g., claustrophobia, pregnancy, pacemakers, implants), * known moderate to severe dementia, * previous structural brain damage (except leukoariosis due to cerebral small vessel disease), * hemodynamically relevant stenosis of the common or internal carotid artery, or * left heart failure with estimated left ventricular ejection fraction \< 50%, * concomitant systemic illness that can lead to dysautonomia, such as an active infection, thyroid disease, or neurodegenerative disorder (e.g. PD, MSA).
Where it's running
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University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf
Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eckhard Schlemm
- Email: e.schlemm@uke.de
- Phone: +49 152 228 98447
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.